5 Dhaka University students call off hunger strike

Following assurance by the university administration to look into the alleged irregularities into the DUCSU polls, five Dhaka University students who were on a hunger strike demanding fresh elections withdrew their protest programme on Friday night, reports UNB.

The university authorities asked the striking students to submit in written their demands by Monday, saying they will look into those.

On Tuesday afternoon, four candidates of the opposition panel along with a general student began the hunger strike at the foot of the Raju Sculpture on the campus demanding fresh election to the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), held on 11 March.

They were also demanding resignation of DU vice-chancellor professor Md Akhtaruzzaman, chief returning officer of DUCUS professor SM Mahfizur Rahman and others concerned for their “failure to hold a fair election”.

Meanwhile, DU students, including those on a hunger strike demanding fresh elections to DUCSU, brought out a hunger procession on the campus on Friday to press for their demand.

Around 400 students, including the striking five, from different departments of the university joined the procession that began from the Raju Sculpture premises around 4:00pm and paraded through different parts of the campus, including the VC Chattar and Arts Faculty.

While addressing the procession, Chhatra Union general secretary Liton Nandi urged the authorities concerned to announce fresh election schedule for the DUCSU polls as soon as possible.

He also threatened to go on a tougher movement if their demand is not met by Monday.

Earlier at noon, DUCSU vice-president-elect Nurul Haq Nur along with some leaders of Bangladesh General Student's Rights Protection Council visited the striking students.

When the procession reached Memory Eternal, one of the striking students -- Soyeb Mahmud -- fell unconscious and another -- Mim Arafat Manab -- also fell sick at the end of the procession.

Both of them were taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.

On Wednesday night, five female students of Ruqayyah Hall began a fast unto death demanding the resignation of hall Provost professor Zeenat Huda, fresh election to DUCSU and hall unions, ensuring security of the protesting girls and withdrawal of all cases filed against the independent candidates and their supporters, including the DUCSU VP-elect.

They however withdrew their strike on Thursday night, threatening to resume it if their demands are not met by Friday.